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Psychosocial work stressors, such as job strain, are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research also suggests associations between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work stressors such as low control, low support and high demands. However, few studies have examined the impact of extended work hours (overtime) on CVD or WMSD risk, especially among health care workers. It has been hypothesized that overtime may increase disease risk through increasing exposure to psychosocial work stressors and physical work demands. The first component of this study involves the analysis of data from a joint union-management self-administered and self-insured fund, which includes medical and disability claims from 100,000 union members working at health care organizations in the New York City metropolitan area. The union also collects demographic data and work hours for each hospital employee. We will examine associations between work hours, socioeconomic status (as measured by income or job category) and all incident claims for CVD and low back, shoulder, neck, elbow/forearm and hand/wrist MSDs between 1999 and 2001 by multiple logistic regression controlling for age and stratified by gender. Control diagnoses will include cancers, congenital anomalies, dermatological conditions, elective surgeries, genito-urinary conditions and respiratory conditions. In addition, we will examine associations stratified by job category, and assess predictors of disability severity. Finally, we will describe future study components, in which we will evaluate the impact of overtime on MSD risk and on blood pressure.